The Western Cape Class of 2025 has achieved a historic milestone, delivering the highest matric pass rate and the highest bachelor’s pass rate ever recorded in the province since the introduction of the National Senior Certificate.
The overall matric pass rate increased from last year’s record-breaking 86.6% to 88.2%, setting a new provincial record. This achievement underscores the continued improvement in learner performance across the Western Cape.
The province’s bachelor’s pass rate, a key indicator of quality matric results, also rose from 47.8% to 49.2%. This is the highest bachelor’s pass rate ever achieved in the Western Cape and the second-highest in the country.
Western Cape candidates further excelled by achieving the second-highest distinction rate nationally. A total of 13 234 candidates earned 31 220 distinctions in 2025, highlighting strong academic performance across multiple subjects.
In key subjects, the province once again led the way. The Western Cape achieved the highest Mathematics pass rate in the country at 73.7%, while candidates also delivered the second-highest Physical Science pass rate nationally, at 80.6%.
Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) recorded outstanding results, with a matric pass rate of 91.9%. The Western Cape also achieved the second-highest bachelor’s pass rate for LSEN candidates in the country, at 60.4%.
These achievements were reached alongside the highest retention rate in South Africa, at 70.0%. This is also the best retention rate recorded by the province since 2021, meaning more learners stayed in school, wrote their exams, and completed their schooling on time, opening doors to further studies and career opportunities.
The Western Cape also produced two top national achievers. Abigail Kok, from York High School in George, was named the top candidate of the Class of 2025 and the top Physical Science candidate nationally. This marks the fifth consecutive year that South Africa’s top matric candidate comes from the Western Cape.
Takunda Muchuweni, from Jan Kriel School in Kuils River, was named the top LSEN candidate in South Africa, a remarkable achievement that reflects dedication, perseverance, and hard work.
Congratulations are extended to the Class of 2025 for an exceptional set of results. This group of learners has been one of the hardest-working matric classes to date and has set a strong example for future cohorts.
Appreciation is also expressed to matric teachers for their outstanding commitment, long hours, and extra support provided throughout the year. Gratitude is extended to parents and guardians who supported learners every step of the way and now share in this important milestone.
To the Class of 2026, the baton now passes to you. Learners are encouraged to commit themselves fully to their studies, following the example set by the Class of 2025. Every hour invested in schoolwork is an investment in the future, and the province looks forward to celebrating your achievements next year.
The overall matric pass rate increased from last year’s record-breaking 86.6% to 88.2%, setting a new provincial record. This achievement underscores the continued improvement in learner performance across the Western Cape.
The province’s bachelor’s pass rate, a key indicator of quality matric results, also rose from 47.8% to 49.2%. This is the highest bachelor’s pass rate ever achieved in the Western Cape and the second-highest in the country.
Western Cape candidates further excelled by achieving the second-highest distinction rate nationally. A total of 13 234 candidates earned 31 220 distinctions in 2025, highlighting strong academic performance across multiple subjects.
In key subjects, the province once again led the way. The Western Cape achieved the highest Mathematics pass rate in the country at 73.7%, while candidates also delivered the second-highest Physical Science pass rate nationally, at 80.6%.
Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) recorded outstanding results, with a matric pass rate of 91.9%. The Western Cape also achieved the second-highest bachelor’s pass rate for LSEN candidates in the country, at 60.4%.
These achievements were reached alongside the highest retention rate in South Africa, at 70.0%. This is also the best retention rate recorded by the province since 2021, meaning more learners stayed in school, wrote their exams, and completed their schooling on time, opening doors to further studies and career opportunities.
The Western Cape also produced two top national achievers. Abigail Kok, from York High School in George, was named the top candidate of the Class of 2025 and the top Physical Science candidate nationally. This marks the fifth consecutive year that South Africa’s top matric candidate comes from the Western Cape.
Takunda Muchuweni, from Jan Kriel School in Kuils River, was named the top LSEN candidate in South Africa, a remarkable achievement that reflects dedication, perseverance, and hard work.
Congratulations are extended to the Class of 2025 for an exceptional set of results. This group of learners has been one of the hardest-working matric classes to date and has set a strong example for future cohorts.
Appreciation is also expressed to matric teachers for their outstanding commitment, long hours, and extra support provided throughout the year. Gratitude is extended to parents and guardians who supported learners every step of the way and now share in this important milestone.
To the Class of 2026, the baton now passes to you. Learners are encouraged to commit themselves fully to their studies, following the example set by the Class of 2025. Every hour invested in schoolwork is an investment in the future, and the province looks forward to celebrating your achievements next year.